Saturday, 14 February 2015

Being Valentines Day, Retro brought out the "other woman" in his life today - his long suffering steel mistress - clearly a sign spring is coming. While we're being steamy, he christened today's ride "50 Shades of Green" on account of the fields of cabbages, broccoli and brussel sprouts we rode through.

Three of us headed out the Knock carriageway, through Cherryvalley and along the Kings Road. On to the last bit of the greenway to Greengraves Rd and a gentle climb up to the Ards dual carriageway. Another right and round the side of Scrabo, before dropping back into Comber. From there past Castle Espie and through Ardmillan all the way to Wacky Dave's (aka Daft Eddys).

We arrived just before 11 having held a nice smooth pace all the way. Brian is definitely showing the benefits of getting out regularly through the winter. Beating the rush meant we were served quickly and back on the road in no time. Round to Whiterocks, up the the climb through Killinchy to Balloo and across to Ballygowan. We lifted the pace on the run in, making sure everyone used up their biscuits.

From Ballygowan we headed out towards Saintfield then flicked into the lanes and zig-zagged across to the Clontnacally Road and home. A nice simple, smooth training ride, using a lot of regular roads but kinda in reverse. Hard enough to do some good, but not too hard to be unenjoyable. Home for 12:30 with time to enjoy the rest of day. Happy Valentines!